This morning I woke up exhausted. I wanted nothing more to turn over and catch some more zzzz's. Then I remembered that it's a weekday and I have to coax three kids out of bed and corral them off to school and myself to work.

It was then that I started longing for my single days. I could stay up late and sleep in with just enough time to get ready and grab breakfast. Responsibilities were short and the fun list was long. Longing for a past season doesn't happen often, but when it does it hits strong.

Fall is here and folks around me are saying how much they love the signs of this season: pumpkin spice lattes, sweaters, boots, cooler weather, and falling leaves.

There's not much I like about autumn. I'm a summer girl. I love days dripping with sunshine. I adore sandals and sundresses, watermelon and iced coffee.

While the days are still warm here in Southern California, the chilly mornings remind me that fall is indeed here. I realize that I'm going to have to let go of this passing season and embrace the new one--whether I'm ready or not.

It's hard to let go of our favorite seasons. I'm sure you can name a season or two of your own life that you'd love to revisit.

But life goes on and there is no going back. There is only the present. Learning to embrace the right-now season can be hard--especially if it's a challenging season. Even with challenges, there is the opportunity for growth in every season of life. There is also beauty in every season. Those living in areas with bitter winters can attest to the beauty of the first snow. They also know that the season will end.

I remember life with a newborn (three times over). Those middle of the night feedings seemed like they'd never end. But just like that they did. Now I can assure groggy-eyed, exhausted moms of little ones that they won't be sleep deprived forever. There is a change coming.

It feels like I've been stuck in a hard season for a long time. I'm taking comfort in the fact that seasons come and go. What seems like forever never is.

"To every thing there is a season.." Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (KJV)

If you're in a place where you wish you could swap seasons, take heart! Seasons change. Barren trees always bring forth colorful leaves and the sun always shines again.